Kangri: the portable heater

The world famous valley of Kashmir has mostly temperate type of climate. The four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter are quite distinct here. Spring starts from March. The short summer stays for June-August. Fall starts from September and stays till mid-November. Real harsh winter stays from mid-November to end of February. During winter nights the mercury dips to sub zero temperatures. The max mean temperature during these months seldom exceeds 10 degree Celsius. Spring season heralds with the blooming of almond and cherry plants. The spring season is also the rainy season hence plantation season.

                After a good rainfall the temperature becomes quite low even in spring. The Kashmiri Populace have devised many smart ways to combat the harshness of the weather. They construct houses which have minimum of open spaces like verandah, court yard, lounge and balcony etc. To minimize thermal losses the floor of the houses are extensively furnished. During winters the windows are sealed with polythene sheets. Doors are mainly closed and thick woolen curtains are used. In fact blankets are improvised as bed-sheets and curtains. People wear long woolen cloak called Phiran over their clothes. Electric heaters/blowers, special portable metallic room heaters known as Bukhari, which burns firewood / coal are extensively used. Recently LPG room heaters have also flooded the market. But nothing beats the convenience of Kangdi. It consists of a small earthenware pot of capacity 300-500 gm, housed in a small willow basket. It burns charcoal made mostly of leaves and twigs fallen during autumn. Every evening lady of the house lit the charcoal in the Kangdi while preparing dinner.  Once lit, the heat in Kangdi lasts for 6-7 hours. When ash collects on the top layer and the heat in the Kangdi is reduced it is stirred delicately with a metallic spatula which is generally attached to Kangdi. The ash sets in the bottom and lit charcoal is exposed to the air. During winter evenings people love to sit in kitchen in Kashmiri households. Kashmiri kitchen is more than a kitchen, it is a living room where the entire family sits, chats, have tea and meals and watches T.V or listen to radio. The kangdi is most effective when it is kept  inside the Phiran, then the fire lasts longer and it keeps the entire body warm. The heat is trapped in the Phiran. A novice uses it like room heaters / blowers that is keeping it near and warming him / herself. That way the charcoal burns away quickly. Moreover the person doesn’t get the requisite warmth either. It is the combination of the Phiran and  Kangdi that does the trick.  Due to its small size Kangdi is portable . People take it inside their Phiran and go outdoors to do their daily chore. In far flung remote hamlets, Kangdi is the only heating option available  to common man. With the start of winter every household starts collecting twigs and leaves especially of Chinar. They prepare charcoal and store it for long winter. People also start buying new Kangdis which is available in the markets throughout the valley. It is affordable to common man. It costs around  Rs. 40 to 50 . It lasts for 2-3 years . Specially decorated Kangdis costs more . A metallic spatula costs Rs 10-15. Brides carry very beautiful Kangdis with silver spatula. The Kangdi of Charare-Sherif are famous for their beauty and craftsmanship. Kangdis along with Samavar and Tash- Nari epitomize Kashmiri culture. Kangdi making  is a cottage industry which gives employment to many rural folk. The time is changing, now the willow which is used to make the outer cover of the Kangdi is now not so abundant. In olden times it was freely available everywhere. Now people have to collects it from forests. Kangdi makers have to shell quite a good amount to get the willow.